Agriculture, Policy & Development at the University of Reading

Congratulations to everyone who has received their results and has their places confirmed to study with us, we are looking forward to welcoming you in September!

We are delighted to also be offering places through Clearing for our School’s BSc courses:

▪️Agriculture
▪️Agricultural Business Management
▪️Bioveterinary Sciences
▪️Environmental management and Sustainability
▪️Global Sustainable Development
▪️Food Business and Marketing
▪️Consumer Behaviour and Marketing

If you are keen to study with us, give us a call to discuss: +44 (0)118 402 0900. Lines are open today 8am - 6pm. Or visit our clearing pages for more information: https://www.reading.ac.uk/clearing/

Lily Mabbs, a BSc Consumer Behaviour and Marketing student, is currently on a placement year working as a Marketing Assistant at Select Car Leasing LTD in Reading, Berkshire.

Sharing her experience, she said: “I assist with digital marketing activity across content creation, social media management, and website optimisation. I’m responsible for producing content for search engine optimisation (SEO), analysing engagement data, and coordinating with internal teams and external stakeholders.

Key highlights of my placement have included contributing to social media campaigns, assisting with video production, and gaining practical insight into how marketing strategy influences customer engagement and business performance.

The placement has strengthened my communication and organisational skills, while providing valuable commercial experience within the automotive industry.”

Our 2026 International Summer School on ‘Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems’ welcomed students to the University of Reading for a week of hands-on learning and practical insight into sustainable agricultural production, taught by our experts, giving them an introduction to UK higher education.

Xinyu Tan, a student on the course, said: “The summer school gave me a great opportunity to participate in cultural activities, which deepened my experience of British culture, while the course content on livestock farming was particularly valuable. The ideas around sustainable agriculture and food systems challenged my thinking on climate change and gave me a clearer understanding of my academic goals.”

Learn more at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/apd/other-courses/international-summer-school

Researchers based in the School, working in partnership with FOLOU, a collaborative project aiming to prevent and reduce Food Loss at the primary production stage, have launched a free online course, “Technological Innovation in Food Loss Measurement and Management”. The course is designed for those involved in the primary production sector to learn how technological innovation can help reduce food loss and support sustainable systems.

Dr Martha Cross, Educator, said: “Participants on the course can learn how to assess and apply technological solutions that help to reduce food loss, understand their benefits and limitations, and identify opportunities across different contexts. The course is suitable for farmers, advisors, researchers, buyers, manufacturers, and stakeholders interested in sustainable food systems.”

Find out more at: https://www.folou.eu/folou-launches-new-online-course-on-technological-innovation-in-food-loss-measurement-and-management/

The University of Reading has awarded Professor Vadym Tkachuk, Rector of the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine (NUBiP) НУБІП / NULES, an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science.

Professor Sarah Cardey, based in the School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, said: "Faculty in the School and across the University of Reading have worked closely with NUBiP on five collaborative projects. The honorary degree awarded to Vadym recognises the importance of this partnership, and we look forward to continuing our collaboration in the future.

Throughout his career, Vadym has demonstrated a commitment to excellence that has had a profound impact on agricultural and rural development in Ukraine, and his vision for interdisciplinary and international education has benefited thousands of students."

Learn more: https://www.reading.ac.uk/news/2026/University-News/Ukrainian-rural-development-champion-honoured-by-University

PhD students and academic staff recently showcased the Department of Sustainable Land Management’s research in pollinators at the Bee’s Needs Science Festival at RHS Garden Wisley, Surrey. Organised by the Royal Horticultural Society and the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, the annual event highlights the importance of bees and other pollinators in supporting our environment and food systems.

PhD candidate Joris Rockx said: “We displayed insect specimens to demonstrate the diversity of pollinating insects and showcased our Bumblearium, which contains flowering plants and a live bumblebee colony, allowing visitors to observe bee behaviour up close. We also ran the pollinator shopping game, where visitors used barcode scanners to discover how much everyday foods rely on insect pollination.”

Congratulations to Nick Walker, Co-Programme Director for the BSc Consumer Behaviour and Marketing course, who received the Teaching Excellence Award during this year’s graduation ceremony.

Nominated by students in the School, Nick was recognised for his contributions to the teaching and learning experience.

He said: “It’s incredibly gratifying to feel that I’ve added value to students’ experiences. Teaching is one of the most rewarding parts of my role, and it’s a privilege to help students navigate the challenges of learning and discover what they’re capable of, one day at a time. This recognition also reflects the contributions of the students and colleagues I have had the pleasure of working with, and I’m very grateful to them.”

The School acknowledged members of the University of Reading Marketing Society committee at our graduation reception last week.

The BSc Consumer Behaviour and Marketing graduates, who have staged several events for fellow students over the year, came together to collect their certificates in celebration and recognition of their contributions.

As they embark on their next chapter, the Society continues to support and inspire led by the next generation of students and future marketers.

We wish you all the very best for the exciting journey ahead.

The School of Agriculture, Policy and Development is delighted to support today and celebrate the amazing work that farmers do every day.

Lecturer in Animal Sciences, Dr Zoe Barker, says: “Farmers, we are with you!

Whether you are working hard to keep your livestock cool, combining into the small hours or supplying our summer fruits, we are thankful for all you do, and we especially acknowledge the staff working hard on our own University Farms at this busy time of year.

Our School has its eye on your future, as we continue to research the solutions to the next challenges facing the industry.”

Congratulations to Lauren Frost, 2026 BSc Agriculture graduate, who was awarded the David Beever Memorial Award for the best academic performance in the final year relating to the dairy industry, at our recent graduation celebration.

Follow us for more prize winner news tomorrow….